Kotak Mahindra Bank Announces Consolidated PAT For Q3FY26 At ₹ 4,924 Crore, Up 5% YoY And 10% QoQ

* Standalone PAT for Q3FY26 at ₹ 3,446 crore,up 4% YoY and 6% QoQ

The Board of Directors of Kotak Mahindra Bank (“the Bank”) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated results for the quarter and nine-months ended December 31, 2025, at the Board meeting held in Hyderabad, today.

Consolidated results at a glance

Consolidated PAT for Q3FY26 stood at ₹ 4,924 crore, up 5% YoY from ₹ 4,701 crore in Q3FY25 (up 10% QoQ from ₹ 4,468 crore in Q2FY26). Q3FY26 consolidated PAT includes estimated incremental cost of ₹ 98 crore (post tax) pursuant to new Labour Code.

PAT of Bank and key subsidiaries given below:

 

PAT (₹ crore)	Q3FY26	Q3FY25	Q2FY26
Kotak Mahindra Bank	3,446	3,305	3,253
Kotak Securities	431	448	345
Kotak Asset Management & Trustee Company	315	240	258
Kotak Mahindra Prime	250	218	246
Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance	162	164	49
Kotak Mahindra Capital Company	98	94	60
Kotak Mahindra Investments	87	107	120
Kotak Alternate Asset Managers	75	10	104

Consolidated Customer Assets which comprise Advances (incl. IBPC & BRDS) and Credit Substitutes grew to ₹ 598,780 crore as at December 31, 2025, up 15% YoY from ₹ 519,126 crore as at December 31, 2024.

Total Customer Assets Under Management as at December 31, 2025 grew to ₹ 787,950 crore, up 15% YoY from ₹ 685,134 crore as at December 31, 2024. The total Domestic MF AUM increased by 20% YoY to ₹ 586,610 crore as at December 31, 2025.

Consolidated Networth as at December 31, 2025 was ₹ 175,251 crore. The Book Value per Share increased to ₹ 176 as at December 31, 2025, up 15% YoY from ₹ 154 as at December 31, 2024 (computed based on subdivision of 1 equity share of face value of ₹ 5 each into 5 equity shares of ₹ 1 each with effect from 14th January, 2026).

At the consolidated level, Return on Assets (ROA) for Q3FY26 (annualized) was 2.10%. Return on Equity (ROE) for Q3FY26 (annualized) was 11.39%.

Consolidated Capital Adequacy Ratio as per Basel III as at December 31, 2025 was 23.3% and CET I ratio was 22.4% (including unaudited profits).

Average Liqudity Coverage Ratio stood at 135% for Q3FY26.

Kotak Mahindra Bank standalone results

Net Advances increased 16% YoY to ₹ 480,673 crore as at December 31, 2025 from ₹ 413,839 crore as at December 31, 2024. Customer Assets which comprise Advances (incl. IBPC & BRDS) and Credit Substitutes grew to ₹ 529,455 crore as at December 31, 2025, up 15% YoY from ₹ 459,436 crore as at December 31, 2024

Total period-end Deposits grew to ₹ 542,638 crore for Q3FY26, up 15% YoY from ₹ 473,497 crore for Q3FY25.

Average Total Deposits grew to ₹ 526,025 crore for Q3FY26, up 15% YoY from ₹ 458,614 crore for Q3FY25. Average Current Deposits grew to ₹ 75,596 crore for Q3FY26, up 14% YoY from ₹ 66,589 crore for Q3FY25. Average Fixed rate Savings Deposits grew to ₹ 118,505 crore for Q3FY26, up 12% YoY from ₹ 105,682 crore for Q3FY25.

Average Term Deposits grew to ₹ 318,070 crore for Q3FY26, up 19% YoY from ₹ 267,743 crore for Q3FY25.

CASA ratio as at December 31, 2025 stood at 41.3%.

Cost of funds was 4.54% for Q3FY26 (5.06% for Q3FY25 and 4.70% for Q2FY26).

Credit to Deposit ratio as at December 31, 2025 stood at 88.6%.

Customers as on December 31, 2025 were 5.1 crore.

Net Interest Income (NII) for Q3FY26 increased to ₹ 7,565 crore, up 5% YoY from ₹ 7,196 crore in Q3FY25 (up 3% QoQ from ₹ 7,311 crore in Q2FY26).

Net Interest Margin (NIM) was 4.54% for Q3FY26 (4.93% for Q3FY25 and 4.54% for Q2FY26).

Fees and services for Q3FY26 increased to ₹ 2,549 crore, up 8% YoY from ₹ 2,362 crore in Q3FY25 (up 6% QoQ from ₹ 2,415 crore in Q2FY26).

Operating expenses for Q3FY26 increased to ₹ 5,023 crore, up 8% YoY from ₹ 4,638 crore in Q3FY25 (up 8% QoQ from ₹ 4,632 crore in Q2FY26). Q3FY26 operating expenses include an estimated incremental cost of ₹ 96 crore pursuant to new Labour Code. Excluding the impact of incremental cost due to new Labour Code, operating expenses for Q3FY26 were ₹ 4,927 crore, up 6% YoY (up 6% QoQ). Cost to income was 48.3% for Q3FY26 which excluding the impact of incremental cost pursuant to new Labour Code was 47.4% for Q3FY26.

Operating profit for Q3FY26 increased to ₹ 5,380 crore, up 4% YoY from ₹ 5,181 crore in Q3FY25 (up 2% QoQ from ₹ 5,268 crore in Q2FY26).

Provisions for Q3FY26 was ₹ 810 crore (₹ 794 crore in Q3FY25 and ₹ 947 crore in Q2FY26). Credit cost (annualised) for Q3FY26 stood at 0.63% (0.68% for Q3FY25 and 0.79% for Q2FY26).

The Bank’s PAT for Q3FY26 increased to ₹ 3,446 crore, up 4% YoY from ₹ 3,305 crore in Q3FY25 (up 6% QoQ from ₹ 3,253 crore in Q2FY26).

As at December 31, 2025, GNPA was 1.30% & NNPA was 0.31% (GNPA was 1.50% & NNPA was 0.41% at December 31, 2024). As at December 31, 2025, Provision Coverage Ratio stood at 76%.

Standalone Return on Assets (ROA) for Q3FY26 (annualized) was 1.89%. Return on Equity (ROE) for Q3FY26 (annualised) was 10.68%.

Capital Adequacy Ratio of the Bank, as per Basel III, as at December 31, 2025 was 22.6% and CET1 ratio of 21.5% (including unaudited profits).

The financial statements of Indian subsidiaries (excluding insurance companies) and associates are prepared as per Indian Accounting Standards in accordance with the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015. The financial statements of subsidiaries located outside India are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in their respective countries. However, for the purpose of preparation of the consolidated financial results, the results of subsidiaries and associates are in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in India (‘GAAP’) specified under Section 133 and relevant provision of Companies

Act, 2013.

Voluntary Recall Of 125cc Hybrid Scooter Models By Yamaha In Indian Market

* 125cc Scooter models manufactured between May 2, 2024, to September 3, 2025, are part of the recall activity

* Affected Customers will get replacement parts free of cost at their nearest Yamaha Showrooms

As part of its ongoing commitment to delivering safe and high-quality products, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. (IYM) has initiated a voluntary recall campaign for 3,06,635 units of its 125cc scooter models manufactured between May 2, 2024, and September 3, 2025, effective immediately.

Customer safety remains Yamaha’s highest priority. This voluntary recall has been initiated to address a potential concern wherein it has been identified that, under certain operating conditions, the front brake caliper exhibits limited function in select units of the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid and Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid scooter models. The replacement of the specific part will be carried out free of charge for all vehicles covered under this campaign.

To verify the eligibility for recall, customers can visit the Service section of India Yamaha Motor website (https://www.yamaha-motor-india.com/). Under Maintenance, click on ‘Voluntary Recall Campaign’ and enter the Chassis Number in the ‘Scooter 125’ section to view the next steps and check if the vehicle is covered under this campaign.

In addition, customers may visit their nearest authorized Yamaha showroom and/or reach out to India Yamaha Motor at the toll-free number - 1800-420-1600 or communicate via email at yes@yamaha-motor-india.com for further assistance.

TVS ILP’s ₹250 Crore Park In MP To Begin Operations In August 2026

First corporate developer to build a Grade A Industrial & Logistics Park in Indore

TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks (TVS ILP) conducted the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for its Grade A, built-to-suit industrial and logistics park in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The facility is expected to commence operations by August 2026.

Developed with an investment of ₹250 crore, the 20-acre state-of-the-art logistics park is designed to cater to the growing demand for high-quality warehousing and industrial infrastructure in the region. The project is expected to generate employment for over 1,000 people in and around Indore, creating meaningful opportunities for the local community. Located in the Pithampur Sector 7 industrial belt, the park sits at the crossroads of central India’s key industrial and consumption corridors, offering clients efficient access to western, northern, and southern India. Pithampur is among the country’s most established industrial clusters and plays a vital role in the region’s manufacturing output, making it a strategic destination for large-scale industrial development.

Additionally, the facility is being developed on land allotted by the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC), making it easier for customers to obtain statutory approvals, while ensuring long-term operational continuity and reducing legal and operational risk.

Strategically located just one kilometre from National Highway 47 on the Indore–Ahmedabad corridor and within a 25-kilometre radius of Indore airport, the city centre, and the railway station, the park offers strong multimodal connectivity. The facility will be fully compliant with global standards and is designed to support heavy industrial usage, featuring FM2 flooring, a 13.5-metre-wide apron for efficient truck movement, wide internal roads, comprehensive fire safety systems, and a dedicated 1,000 KVA power infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Dr. Ramnath Subramaniam, Joint Managing Director, TVS ILP, said, “We are the first corporate developer to enter Indore with the objective of addressing the gap in availability of Grade A industrial and logistics parks in the city. With rising demand driven by industrial growth and increasing urban consumption, our focus is to create a world-class facility that caters to industries such as E-commerce, automobiles, textiles, FMCG/FMCD, 3PL, and other sectors. We believe this facility will play a critical role in meeting demand from Madhya Pradesh as well as neighbouring states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Securing land through a partnership with MPIDC was a strategic decision, as it enhances asset credibility and makes it easier for customers to secure approvals, financing, and insurance.”

Madhya Pradesh continues to witness accelerated industrial momentum, supported by sustained government investment and infrastructure development. Initiatives such as the PM MITRA Textile Park, the Indore–Pithampur Economic Corridor, and planned railway network expansion are expected to further strengthen the state’s position as a major manufacturing and multimodal logistics hub over the next three to four years.

Tata Technologies Announces Winners Of InnoVent 2026, Focused On Smart Mobility; Offers Career Opportunities To All Finalists

InnoVent 2026 engaged 10,247 students across 404 colleges in 28 states, resulting in 2,822 unique projects addressing real-world challenges in the automotive and manufacturing sectors

The top three teams were awarded cash prizes totalling INR 4.5 lakhs, and career opportunities were extended to all 42 finalists participating in the Demo Day

A first-of-its-kind humanoid robot co-host anchored the Demo Day experience, symbolising the convergence of AI, human creativity and future-ready engineering at the heart of InnoVent

Bangalore, January 24, 2026: Tata Technologies, a global product engineering and digital services company, announced the successful conclusion of the 3rd edition of its flagship engineering innovation hackathon, Tata Technologies InnoVent 2026, supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Launched in June 2025, this edition of InnoVent invited engineering students across India to build solutions for “Innovating the Future of Smart Mobility Powered by Intelligence, Engineered for 2030”, tackling real-world challenges in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The initiative continues to strengthen Tata Technologies’ engagement with academia, helping young engineers develop future-ready skills and engineering better careers for themselves.

InnoVent 2026 drew a powerful response from campuses across the country:

10,247 participants

2,822 unique projects

404 colleges from 28 states across India

39% participation by women

Mr. Warren Harris, MD & CEO of Tata Technologies noted - "InnoVent at Tata Technologies represents our conviction that the future is shaped by those who combine engineering excellence with human purpose to engineer a better world"

Over 650 hours of innovation training and mentoring were delivered by the Tata Technologies Business Excellence team and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help students translate their ideas into robust prototypes ready for real-world environments.

The innovation journey culminated in the Demo Day hosted at Tata Technologies’ Hinjewadi campus in Pune, where the top 10 teams showcased their prototypes to an eminent industry jury comprising:

Warren Harris, CEO & MD, Tata Technologies

Lalitha Indrakanti, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover – Technology and Business, Services India (JLR-TBSI)

S K Dash, Chief Technical Officer, Air India

Marc Wille, CEO, ES-Tec Group

S Sukanya, COO, Tata Technologies

After a detailed evaluation, the jury announced the following winners:

First Prize – ₹3,00,000

· Team Drushti

· Intelligent Customization of Vehicle Infotainment System for Visually Impaired Drivers based on Medical Conditions

· CMR College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad

Second Prize – ₹1,00,000

· Team The T-Factor

· Avoiding Breakdowns Through Automatic Self-Prevention Using Edge-based AI

· Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai

Third Prize – ₹50,000

· Team SwarmSync

· Intelligent Fleet Operations Management using V2X Communication

· International Institute of Information Technology (I²IT), Pune

In addition to the top three awards, all 42 finalists received career opportunities with Tata Technologies, providing them with a platform to continue their innovation journey within the organisation. All participants also received one-year access to the iGETIT learning platform, enabling them to deepen their skills in emerging technologies.

Top 10 finalist projects at InnoVent 2026

Intelligent Fleet Operations Management using V2X Communication – Team SwarmSync, International Institute of Information Technology (I²IT), Hinjewadi, Pune

Enhancing Connected Vehicle Security Using Blockchain Solutions – Team Unified Logic, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore

Wireless Battery Charging Solution for Moving Electric Vehicles – Team Techtronix, VEL Tech Multi-Tech, Chennai

Intelligent Customization of Vehicle Infotainment System for Visually Impaired Drivers Based on Medical Conditions – Team Drushti, CMR College of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad

Real-time Road Hazard Monitoring System for Vehicle Safety – Team Empty Road, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai

Real-time Fault Detection System in EVs Fleet Using Smart Simulation Using OTA Platform – Team Grid Gurus, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat

Avoiding Breakdowns Through Automatic Self-Prevention Using Edge-based AI – Team The T-Factor, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai

Development Of a Hybrid Vehicle With CNG-powered Range Extension – Team EcoDrive Innovator, Sanjivani University, Kopargaon

AI-led Intelligent Battery Monitoring System – Team EN3RGE, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal

A-pillar Blind Spot Elimination and Steering Feedback System for Safer Driving – Team Jupiter07, SR University, Warangal

These projects reflect the breadth of innovation across safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, fleet optimisation, cybersecurity and next-gen EV systems.

A humanoid robot played multiple roles throughout the event, including:

welcoming jury members and dignitaries with programmed gestures and greetings,

coordinating the panel discussion by asking curated questions to industry leaders,

performing celebratory dances during the award announcements,

engaging with students and teams by taking selfies and interacting with them,

demonstrating advanced conversational and social capabilities.

The robot became a symbol of how AI, robotics and human ingenuity can come together to reimagine the future of work and learning.

A panel discussion with industry leaders also explored themes such as innovation, global demand for engineering talent, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of mobility, offering students real-world context and inspiration.

About Tata Technologies:

Tata Technologies (BSE: 544028, NSE: TATATECH) is a global product engineering and digital services company focused on fulfilling our mission of helping the world drive, fly, build, and farm by enabling our customers to realize better products and deliver better experiences. We are the strategic engineering partner businesses turn to when they aspire to be better. Manufacturing companies rely on us to enable them to conceptualize, develop, and realize better products that are safer and cleaner and improve the quality of life for all the stakeholders, helping us achieve our vision of #EngineeringABetterWorld. For more, visit us at https://www.tatatechnologies.com/ or learn more here. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates.

World Bank Approves Long‑Term Financing For 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project In Bhutan Co-Owned By Tata Power, DGPC

· To generate more than 4,500 GWh of clean electricity annually, about 80 % of which will be supplied to India

· Project showcases regional cooperation in South Asia’s clean energy push

· Bhutan’s largest hydropower project under PPP model

The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved and sanctioned long-term financing for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPL). DHPL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) jointly owned by Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (60 percent) and Tata Power (40 percent), India’s largest private integrated power company. The Project will boost clean energy cooperation between India and Bhutan and strengthens regional energy security.

It will be Bhutan’s largest hydropower project to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to generate more than 4,500 GWh of clean electricity annually. This will expand Bhutan’s installed energy capacity by nearly 40 percent and further strengthen the country’s position as a reliable exporter of clean energy to India. About 80 % of the annual electricity generation form the Project will be supplied to India.

Tata Power Trading Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, will be responsible for importing the power into India and managing its onward distribution.

The financing package includes a $150 million grant and a $150 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $15 million enclave loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to DGPC (Government of Bhutan), as well as a $200 million IBRD enclave loan and a $300 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL). The balance funding requirements for the project will be arranged from various market participants.

The World Bank’s approval reflects confidence in the project’s technical and financial foundations. It provides long‑term visibility and strengthens Tata Power’s and DGPC’s ability to advance the project in a measured and disciplined manner, while focusing on delivering sustainable value for all stakeholders.

The Dorjilung project reinforces long-standing energy cooperation between Bhutan and India, highlighting how regional partnerships can deliver shared economic and environmental benefits while advancing South Asia’s clean energy landscape.

The project is expected to generate significant employment during both construction and operations, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and support livelihoods in the Mongar and Lhuentse districts in Bhutan.

Dorjilung marks the next chapter in this enduring partnership focused on sustainable development, and illustrates how partnerships between Governments, Multilateral Institutions, and the Private Sector can translate policy ambition into bankable, high-impact outcomes.

Marking The 79th Year Of Independence, HDFC Mutual Fund Conducted 79 Nukkad Nataks Nationwide

HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd., investment manager to HDFC Mutual Fund, rolled out the on-ground leg of its flagship ‘Barni Se Azadi’ initiative, with 79 Nukkad Natak (street play) performances going live across multiple cities. The initiative underscored HDFC Mutual Fund’s continued commitment to taking financial awareness directly to communities at the grassroots level through culturally relevant and accessible formats.

‘Barni Se Azadi’ is a purpose-led initiative that sought to encourage individuals, especially women, to move beyond traditional saving practices and take informed steps towards long- term financial security. By leveraging the power of street theatre, the initiative aimed to spark relatable conversations around money, savings, and investing in a simple and culturally resonant format that was accessible to people from all walks of life.

The Nukkad Nataks were performed across seven cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Surat, Lucknow, Baroda, and Jaipur. With a total of 79 performances scheduled, the plays commenced in December 2025 and were designed to engage audiences in public spaces such as markets, residential areas, and community hubs.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd., said, “Financial awareness has the power to change not just individual lives, but entire communities. Through the Nukkad Natak conducted under HDFC Mutual Fund’s ‘Barni Se Azaadi’ investor education initiative, financial awareness found a voice on the streets—educating, engaging, and inspiring individuals, especially women, to take control of their financial future.”

Over the years, ‘Barni Se Azadi’ evolved into a broader movement that challenged conventional notions of savings and empowered women to take control of their financial futures. The on-ground activation through Nukkad Nataks strengthened this mission by creating direct, human connections and encouraging dialogue at the community level.

Benefits of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

- Freedom from market timing

- Well-suited for long-term wealth accumulation

- Disciplined wealth creation

To know more visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/learn/barni-se-azadi

An Investor Education and Awareness Initiative

Visit https://www.hdfcfund.com/information/key-know-how to know more about the process to complete a one-time Know Your Customer (KYC) requirement to invest in Mutual Funds. Investors should only deal with registered Mutual Funds, details of which can be verified on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html). For any queries, complaints & grievance redressal, investors may reach out to the AMCs and / or Investor Relations Officers. Additionally, investors may also lodge complaints directly with the AMCs. If they are not satisfied with the resolutions given by AMCs, they may raise complaint through the SCORES portal on https://scores.sebi.gov.in/ SCORES portal facilitates investors to lodge complaint online with SEBI and subsequently view its status. In case the investor is not satisfied with the resolution of the complaints raised directly with the AMC or through the SCORES portal, they may file any complaint on the Smart ODR on https://smartodr.in/login.

South India’s Tier-2 & Tier-3 Residential Sales Value Crosses ₹20,000 Crore In 2025

Research indicates residential and commercial sales expanding despite geopolitical uncertainty and economic cycle headwinds.

“South India’s real estate market closed 2025 with an estimated ₹20,000 crore in residential sales value, marking a decisive recovery from the pandemic phase and signalling a deeper structural shift toward emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities,” said Mr. M.R. Jaishankar, Chairman & Managing Director, Brigade Group, while addressing a keynote speech at CREDAI SouthCon 2026, the South India Knowledge Conclave held in Bengaluru.

According to Mr. Jaishankar, South India still trails the all-India market in absolute scale due to the presence of much larger Tier-2 cities in the North and West, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore and Kanpur. In contrast, South India’s Tier-2 powerhouses, notably Coimbatore, Kochi, Trivandrum and the rapidly advancing Visakhapatnam (Vizag) are now emerging as the primary growth engines for the region.

South India’s commercial real estate has surpassed 2025 projections with modest absorption: 2-4 Million Square Feet (office), 4-8 Million Square Feet (retail/mall), 8-12 Million Square Feet (warehousing), 5,000-8,000 hotel rooms and 10-30 MW data-centre capacity.

Giving a forecast for the year 2030, he mentioned that a stronger growth is predicted, 8-12 Million Square Feet (office), 15-20 Million Square Feet (retail), 40–60 Million Square Feet (warehousing), 12,000-18,000 hotel rooms and 200-300 MW (data centres).

By 2035, ambitions escalate further: 15-20 Million Square Feet (office), 30-40 Million Square Feet (retail), 90-120 Million Square Feet (warehousing), 25,000-35,000 hotel rooms and 600-900 MW (data centres), though linear projections often falter against real-world economics.

Tier-2/3 Momentum Extending into the Next Decade

Research shared during the conclave projects that by 2030, Tier-2 and Tier-3 South Indian cities could collectively deliver 40,000 residential units, scaling up to 60,000 units by 2035, translating into a compounded growth trajectory of 10–12% over the period. Developers expect 100% growth in Tier-2 sales volumes over the next five years, contingent on macro stability.

Infrastructure is Rewiring Demand Geography Mr. Jaishankar attributed the sales value surge to India’s aggressive infrastructure rollout spanning Bharat Mala, Vande Bharat, national corridor expansions and the Udaan airport network, which grew from under 10 airports to 65+ and is projected to reach 170 airports in the coming years.

The improved logistics, mobility and airport density are advancing demand beyond Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, enabling residential, retail, warehousing and hospitality assets to scale in previously under-served cities.

Beyond Residential: Warehousing, Hospitality and Data Centers Break Out

While residential contributed the bulk of the 2025 sales value, the conclave highlighted that warehousing, hospitality and data center assets are now expanding faster than office and retail in South India: Warehousing is benefiting from lower land costs in Tier-2 belts Hospitality has seen record occupancy & ARR since 2022 due to domestic leisure travel Data center capacity is shifting toward coastal cities, with Vizag emerging as a contender following large multinational intent, including a $15 billion investment announcement by Google

Cycles, Risks and Caution Against Over-Leveraging Mr. Jaishankar reminded delegates that multiple economic cycles from the 1991 liquidity crisis to COVID-19 have repeatedly reshaped India’s real estate market, cautioning developers against over-leveraged land banking and untested expansion strategies.

He stressed that while India remains relatively insulated compared to global markets, geopolitical shocks, AI-driven employment restructuring in IT hubs and tightening cycles could affect absorption in 2026-2028.

Brand, Trust and Mixed-Use as Competitive Moats

The conclave discussion highlighted that brand strength, transparency, RERA-aligned governance and mixed-use planning are now outperforming stand-alone development models, especially in slow cycles. Developers with stronger brands and better compliance continue to transact even in down markets.

To honor the tireless labour of construction workers, the event commenced with a symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony performed by three construction workers.

CREDAI Sees Strong Housing Demand and Improved Delivery Momentum Amid Policy Push

A press briefing by respective CREDAI State Presidents, Mr. Bhaskar T Nagendrappa (CREDAI Karnataka), Mr. K Indrasena Reddy (CREDAI Telangana), Mr. Bayana Srinivas Rao (CREDAI Andhra Pradesh), Mr. Roy Peter (CREDAI Kerala) and W S Habib (CREDAI Tamil Nadu) was held. They said that while demand for apartments continues to rise post-COVID, affordability is deteriorating because the long-standing ₹45-lakh cap no longer matches today’s construction and land costs.

Mr. Bhaskar T Nagendrappa, President, CREDAI Karnataka, said, “South India’s real estate sector is entering a decisive decade. With technology transforming demand, Tier-II cities accelerating and stakeholders demanding greater transparency, trust is no longer optional—it is the basis for growth. CREDAI Karnataka is committed to building an ecosystem where policy, innovation and responsible development come together to shape a more vibrant and equitable urban future for our region and for the country.”

They noted that developers have urged the government to revise this definition, expand unit size limits, reduce GST and stamp duty and make affordable housing viable through faster approvals and PPP-based land support. Although they insisted delivery delays are largely a thing of the past due to regulatory reforms, they also admitted that permissions, E-khata processes and power connections continue to face bureaucratic bottlenecks that push up finance costs and slow handovers. CREDAI acknowledged that Karnataka has not seen a single viable private affordable housing project under the current framework and said this reflects a need for policy overhaul rather than lack of developer commitment. On labour, they maintained that workers are being better supported and paid, but argued that the government’s underuse of labour-cess funds and the growing scarcity of skilled workers are pushing the industry toward greater mechanisation.

On a positive note, CREDAI said that regulatory reforms, stronger buyer confidence and ongoing urban migration are expanding the housing market and creating momentum for more timely project delivery, with developers expressing willingness to collaborate with government on policy improvements and PPP models to revive the affordable housing segment.

SouthCon 2026 is a 2-day event representing itself as a southern knowledge forum rather than a routine real-estate gathering, framing the event around the theme ‘Trust Through Transparency-Readying for the Growth of the Next Decade.’ Over 450 delegates representing real estate developers from across multiple states participated in SouthCon 2026.

Angel One And Zepto Bring ‘Fitverse’ To Bangalore, Redefining Fitness Through The Lens Of Compounding Habits

The wellness-led experience connects everyday fitness habits with long-term wealth creation through the principle of compounding

Angel One Limited, one of India’s leading fintech platforms, collaborated with Zepto to host Fitverse, a curated wellness experience that brought together physical fitness and financial fitness under a shared idea. The event was held at Hyfit Fitness Club and saw participation from creators, wellness brands, and fitness enthusiasts.

Built around the principle that progress, whether in health or wealth, is driven by consistency and compounding, Fitverse reframed fitness beyond short-term resolutions. The experience encouraged participants to view both physical training and financial planning as habits shaped through small, regular actions that deliver long-term results.

Angel One participated as the financial fitness partner, using the platform to simplify conversations around investing by anchoring them in everyday behaviour. Through immersive workouts and interactive experiences, the event highlighted how disciplined routines, over time, can create meaningful outcomes across both fitness and finance.

Commenting on the association, Arief Mohamed, Chief Business Officer, Angel One, said, “People often approach money the way they approach fitness in January, with intensity but without continuity. Fitverse was designed to change that mindset. By placing financial fitness in a wellness setting, we are reinforcing a simple truth: wealth, like health, is built through small, consistent actions that compound quietly over time.”

The invite-only experience hosted 60 to 70 leading Indian creators, positioning Fitverse as a cultural moment for a generation that is increasingly focused on mindful progress across health, money, and lifestyle.

As conversations around wellness continue to evolve, Angel One remains focused on building awareness around financial fitness as a long-term practice, making investing more relatable by connecting it to everyday habits and sustained decision-making.

Young Innovators’ Expo 2026 Successfully Concludes At Marwadi University In Collaboration With DST, Government of India

Marwadi University, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, successfully organized the Young Innovators’ Expo 2026. The event served as a dynamic platform to nurture innovation, creativity, and scientific thinking among school students from the Saurashtra region.

The expo witnessed enthusiastic participation from 269 students representing around 25 schools from Rajkot, Morbi, and Gondal. A total of 140 unique innovation projects were presented and demonstrated by the young innovators, reflecting their curiosity, problem-solving ability, and commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Mr. Dikshit H. Patel, District Education Officer, and Rajkot, who provided motivational inputs and encouraged students to pursue innovation, research, and scientific inquiry from an early age. University leadership and faculty members were also present to welcome the participants and mentor teachers.

Projects were evaluated by an expert jury based on innovation, creativity, societal relevance, environmental impact, and feasibility. To encourage and recognize outstanding innovations, cash prizes and awards were conferred to the top-performing teams and projects.

Winners of Young Innovators’ Expo 2026

• First Prize: Saket Ganatra and Rohan Pinara, Saint Paul’s School

• Second Prize: Utsav Patel, Saint Paul’s School

• Third Prize: Vishw Jalu and Param Meheta, Dholakiya School

In addition to the top three awards, 10 projects were recognized under Special Category Awards, including: Social Impact, Sustainability & Green Innovation, Grassroot Innovation, Frugal Engineering, Assistive Technology, Digital / Smart Solutions, Use of Recycled or Waste Materials, Conceptual Innovation, Effective Use of Science & Technology, Best Presentation & Communication of Idea

A key highlight of the expo was an expert talk on “Harnessing Technologies Through IPRs” delivered by Mr. Karan Puri, Associate Vice President, Ennoble IP, which introduced students and mentor teachers to the importance of Intellectual Property Rights and patent protection. The Patent Filing Workshop further sensitized participants about converting innovative ideas into protected intellectual assets.

The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Dr. Sumit Vyas, Project Director, Regional Science Centre, Rajkot, who inspired students to continue their journey of innovation and scientific exploration. The felicitation of winners and participants added a celebratory conclusion to the event.

Young Innovators’ Expo 2026 has emerged as a trend-setting initiative in the Saurashtra–Kutch region, promoting innovation and creativity at the school level. The event strongly aligns with the Vision and Mission of Marwadi University and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing experiential learning and innovation-driven education.

Marwadi University expressed its sincere gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for funding and supporting this initiative, enabling the University to extend its innovation ecosystem to school students and strengthen its societal responsibility.

Through this collaborative effort, Marwadi University and DST aim to inspire young minds, nurture grassroots innovation, and build a strong foundation for future scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The organizes of the event express sincere thanks to Trusty Shri Dhruv Marwadi and DST, Government of India for providing financial and logistic support.

Four Signals From Republic Day Sales 2026: Unicommerce Analysis

Republic Day Sales 2026 offer a clear view into how India’s e-commerce market is maturing beyond discount-driven spikes towards structurally driven growth. An analysis by Unicommerce, based on over 27 million order items processed on its Uniware platform during the 2025 and 2026 Republic Day Sales periods, highlights four signals shaping the sector’s trajectory.
Tier 3 Cities Are Now Volume Leaders

Smaller cities emerged as key growth drivers. Tier 3 cities, led by Kolar (Karnataka), Rohtak (Haryana), Kamrup (Assam), Ernakulam (Kerala) and Khordha (Odisha) among others accounted for nearly 40% of total order items, with order volumes growing over 19% YoY. Healthy food volumes more than doubled in Tier 2 cities, while Tier 3 markets contributed around 43% of total food and beverage orders, underscoring the deepening reach of e-commerce beyond metros.
Repeat consumption driving growth

Order volumes grew 16.9% year-on-year, while GMV rose 11.9%, driven by higher order frequency rather than ticket size alone. FMCG & Agriculture and Beauty & Wellness were the fastest-growing categories, with nearly 80% and ~53% YoY growth respectively. Demand was led by healthy and everyday items such as dry fruits, millet-based products, packaged healthy snacks, and organic staples, and face serums, body washes along with other grooming products—reflecting a shift towards habit-driven, repeat consumption.
Speed and Automation Are Driving Conversions

Channel trends highlighted rising expectations for faster fulfillment. Quick commerce led growth with a ~25% YoY increase in order volumes, followed by brand-owned websites at 23%, while marketplaces continued to process the largest share of orders. Brands increasingly relied on automation to manage real-time inventory, routing, and customer engagement, reinforcing that execution quality is now as critical as pricing in driving sales performance.

AI-Led Engagement Is Closing the Conversion Gap

Brands leveraged AI and automation to convert high-intent demand during the Republic Day sale period this year. Insights from Unicommerce’s Convertway platform show over 2.5 million customer communications across SMS, WhatsApp, and RCS, driving improvement in conversion rates. AI Voice Agent ‘Catalyst’ further enabled last-mile order completion, with over 1.2 lakh calls made during the sales period—generating over ten times revenue for brands compared to the cost they incurred, making it a high-yield channel and highlighting the growing role of AI in shaping sale outcomes.

Together, these four signals point to an inflection in India’s e-commerce growth: repeat consumption driving growth, execution and technology-led expansion, smaller-city participation, faster fulfillment, and AI engagement emerging as the key growth levers in 2026.

About Unicommerce

Unicommerce’s solutions serve all the key processes of an e-commerce business. Uniware simplifies the backend operations of e-commerce businesses, including inventory management, order processing across multiple channels, warehouse operations, and seamless handling of return inventory. Shipway, a full-stack logistics management platform, offers courier aggregation and shipping automation. Convertway is an AI-enabled marketing automation platform designed to boost conversions and sales.

Unicommerce serves 7500+ clients across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Some of its marquee clients include FabIndia, Lenskart, Timex, TCNS, Mamaearth, Sugar, Emami, Urban Company, Cello, Symphony, Healthkart, GNC, boAt, Portronics, TMRW, Mensa, Landmark Group and many more. Unicommerce’s flagship platform, Uniware, achieved an annualised transaction run rate of over 1 billion order items in Q3 FY25.

Unicommerce’s product suite is sector and size-agnostic and designed to meet the business needs of various types and sizes of retail and e-commerce enterprises, both online and offline. Incorporated in 2012, Unicommerce is ISO 27001 (standard for information security management system) & ISO 27701 (standard for data privacy controls) certified. It is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited.

Chris Hemsworth And Elsa Pataky’s Family-Friendly Abu Dhabi Itinerary

Looking back on their recent visits to Abu Dhabi, Chris Hemsworth shared how it’s the perfect choice for family travel, with days that mix high-energy fun with quality time you’ll remember for years to come.

“I love travelling to Abu Dhabi with the kids because there’s so much on offer. From action-packed thrills to calm, immersive and educational moments, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Experiencing nature, culture, and adventure together reminds us of what really matters: time shared, moments made, memories locked in.”

For Elsa Pataky, the easy mix of experiences makes travelling here so enjoyable as a family: “Abu Dhabi has this beautiful balance: thrilling adventures for the kids, cultural experiences for the adults, and endless opportunities for the whole family to connect and enjoy time together.”

Here’s where Chris and Elsa went on their latest visit

CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Try indoor climbing and skydiving on Yas Island. During their visit, Chris and Elsa’s family tried it all, with routes for all ages and experience Challenge yourself in the skydiving chamber or try to tackle progressively harder climbing routes, from beginner level to advanced.

Surf Abu Dhabi

On Hudayriyat Island, Surf Abu Dhabi offers controlled wave conditions suitable for first-time surfers and almost every age. Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, so it’s an easy way for parents and children to try a new sport in a relaxed, with plenty of options for food and drinks.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The fast-paced rides and indoor attractions are designed for all ages, making it easy for families to spend an entire day together. Families can move between high-energy experiences and gentler rides, entertaining little ones alongside adults with a need for speed.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Explore themed lands inspired by well-known characters, from Batman to Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, with rides and interactive experiences designed for all ages. It’s a colourful and fun space for families looking for a full day of entertainment together.

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Art meets innovation with this interactive environment where immersive digital art installations respond to your every move. The unique spaces encourage curiosity and exploration, making it a natural stop for families looking to slow their pace and enjoy creative moments.

Yas Waterworld

Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld has a wide range of slides, wave pools and family-friendly rides. With 60+ attractions designed for different age groups, there’s space for both high-energy fun and relaxed downtime.

Beyond Chris and Elsa’s itinerary, families can explore new cultural highlights, like Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, or take a short trip to Al Ain Region, where culture, nature and heritage offer even more ways to spend time together—just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi City or Dubai.

For more ideas and to plan your visit: visitabudhabi.ae

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Maybach GLS 600 SUV Priced At INR 2.75 Cr; Inaugurates India's First Maybach Lounge- Viva Star In Bengaluru

* Mercedes-Benz India launches the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV in Bengaluru priced at INR 2.75 crores all-India ex-showroom. This luxurious SUV for the first time will be ‘Made in India’, outside of the USA

* Bengaluru city becomes the first city to have a ‘Maybach Lounge’ and ‘Maybach Icons of Luxury’ store together, in India

* India now breaks into Mercedes-Maybach’s Top 5 markets, globally

“The innovation capital of India, Bengaluru remains a key market for Mercedes-Benz buoyed by growing demand for topend luxury vehicles from young aspirational customers. Inaugurating India’s most exquisite ultra-luxurious ‘Maybach Lounge’ in Bengaluru, underscores the rising demand for ultra-luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Maybach. 

* Bengaluru has emerged as one of the top 3 cities for billionaires in India and the luxury consumption is growing strongly. Mercedes-Benz aims to tap this burgeoning potential of Bengaluru, with elevated customer experience and world-class retail infrastructure curated by Viva Star. With this luxury facility we strengthen our footprint in the city and confident of curating the most desirable luxury experience for our discerning customers,” says Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

* Viva Star inaugurates a new luxury sales and state-of-art service facility in Bengaluru, strengthening Mercedes-Benz’s footprint in Karnataka

* The showroom introduces the first ‘Maybach Lounge’ in Karnataka, complemented by the innovative Maybach Retail Kit and dedicated luxury consultation spaces

* Carrying an investment of ~INR 200 million, Viva Star was completed in record 5 months, reflecting faster market readiness and customer proximity of Mercedes-Benz

* Viva Star is located in South Bengaluru’s upscale neighbourhood that offers good connectivity for customers

* The luxury sales facility spans a covered area of 10,400 sq. ft. across four levels

* The new sales facility offers 6 car display positions, 1 delivery bay

* The after sales facility spans a covered area of 16,600 sq. ft., offering 19 working bays and premium service infrastructure

* While the sales facility features a 60 kW fast charger, Viva Star’s service facility has a 180 kW fast charger, supporting BEV customers

*Key highlights: Exclusive Customer Lounge, Private Consultation and Semiprivate Consultation Areas. An exclusive Hospitality Counter, Shop Wall for display of accessories and boutique elements. Key Presenter for Exclusive Deliveries | Exclusive Driver Lounge

*Mercedes-Benz will inaugurate 20 new luxury touchpoints in 2026 in 3 new cities, that includes new dealerships and upgrading existing facilities

India’s most desirable luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India today, inaugurated a state-of-art new luxury sales and service facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka- Viva Star. The new dealership further strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s presence in Bengaluru and in Karnataka. The new luxury facility, operated by Viva Star, reflects Mercedes-Benz’s continued commitment to discerning customers, aligned to its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. The new dealership was inaugurated by Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Prasad Deshpande, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Viva Star.

Karnataka’s first excusive ‘Maybach Lounge’:

Viva Star Bengaluru features Karnataka’s first ‘Mercedes-Maybach Lounge’, offering exclusively curated Maybach brand experience for top-end customers and luxury car connoisseurs. The ‘Maybach Lounge’ introduces an innovative and first-of-its kind Maybach shop-in-shop concept in Karnataka, complemented by dedicated Maybach retail elements, through the unique Maybach Retail Kit. Maybach Retail Kit presents the exclusive ‘manufaktur’ range of customization options to Maybach customers. The Maybach Retail Kits are handmade and engineered in Germany. The Maybach Retail Kit offers an elevated consultation experience to customers with luxurious white glove presentation of customization samples.

The newly inaugurated Viva Star Bengaluru facility presents luxury retail showroom and a modern service centre, offering customers seamless ownership journey. The facility is supported by curated customer consultation spaces and a dedicated handover experience, aimed at elevating customer experience.

Strategically located in South Bengaluru’s high visibility, well-established and upscale neighbourhood, Viva Star offers customers good connectivity, proximity to prime residential areas and presence of luxury brands. The facility was completed in just 5 months, reflecting swift network execution and a sharp focus on customer convenience and customer experience.

The luxury sales facility spans a covered area of 10,400 sq. ft. across multiple floors. The showroom features six car display positions along with a dedicated handover bay. The facility is supported by a trained team strength of 74 professionals including sales and service and operates as a 1S and 2S facility.

The showroom integrates luxury experience touchpoints such as private and semi-private consultation spaces, curated lifestyle boutique elements and a dedicated handover bay supported by a Key Presenter for exclusive deliveries.

Prasad Deshpande, Managing Director, Viva Star, commented, “Viva Star is proud to commence our much-coveted journey with Mercedes-Benz, the global automotive icon that is the cornerstone for luxury, prestige and desirability. We are thrilled with the inauguration of Bengaluru’s latest luxury destination, promising to create new standards in luxury sales and service facility. This facility has been designed to deliver a premium customer experience through curated consultation spaces, a dedicated handover experience and a modern service set-up focused on quality, efficiency and personalized care. We are confident this facility will add significant value to Mercedes-Benz customers in Bengaluru, and we will continue to evaluate expansion opportunities in nearby markets, basis market potential.”

Key highlights of Viva Star Bengaluru Service Facility:

The Bengaluru service facility is designed to deliver luxury service quality, quicker turnaround times and a hassle-free ownership experience. The service facility spans a covered area of 16,600 sq. ft. and is supported by a team of certified technicians to deliver personalized care.

The service facility offers 19 working bays across PMGR, Body & Paint and supporting bays, enabling comprehensive aftersales capability. Customers can expect end-to-end service coverage including preventive maintenance and general repairs along with complete body and paint jobs, ensuring support right from vehicle reception till handover. The facility also has a dedicated spare parts area to support efficient availability of genuine parts.

Enhancing customer convenience, the service facility offers an exclusive customer lounge, Express Prime Bay and a dedicated delivery bay. The facility is EV-ready and includes an EV charger with 180 kW charging capacity.

Voltas Celebrates Republic Day By Making Everyday Comfort More Accessible For Indian Households

· Celebrating the spirit of transformation, this Republic Day, with flexible EMI options and attractive card-led benefits

· Offers valid from 21st January to 31st January 2026

Voltas Limited, India’s No. 1 Air Conditioning brand from the house of Tata’s, has announced its Republic Day Offers, aimed at empowering Indian households with greater financial flexibility and ease of ownership. Aligned with the spirit of Republic Day, symbolizing equality, access, and progress, the initiative makes it simpler for consumers to upgrade to energy-efficient and advanced appliances through structured EMI and card-based schemes.

Recognising that financial pressure is one of the most common barriers to upgrading essential home infrastructure, Voltas is offering flexible payment options such as fixed monthly instalments, long-tenure repayment plans, zero down payment options, and simplified credit card EMI schemes. Available from 21st January to 31st January 2026, the Republic Day offers are valid for Voltas and Voltas Beko products across air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, air coolers and more, supported by a wide network of banking and NBFC partners.

Republic Day Consumer Finance Offer Highlights:

· Smart EMI Card Schemes: Multiple EMI tenures ranging from 3 to 18 months, offering flexibility based on consumer preference.

· Low-Cost EMI (LCEMI) Options: Reduced interest burden, with partial subvention borne by the brand on select tenures.

· Zero Down Payment Schemes: Available on select products of Voltas and Voltas Beko through partner NBFCs, lowering the entry barrier for purchase.

· Attractive Cashback Benefits: Cashback offers across select credit cards, with higher benefits at Voltas Brand Stores. In fact, in some models of Voltas Beko products, the company provides upto Rs 4000 cashback.

· Fixed EMI Plans: Structured monthly payouts starting at Rs. 1088 on select appliance categories. Further, the fixed 18*6 long EMI will also be available on some appliance categories.

· Wide Partner Network: Supported by leading banks, aggregators, and NBFCs including Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, TVS Credit, Home Credit, and others.

· Warranty: For select Voltas Beko products, provides a five-year warranty.

“With the launch of our Republic Day offers, we aim to enhance everyday comfort and convenience for every Indian household. This season, our efforts have been focused on making Indian homes more comfortable, modern and convenient - reflecting the aspirations of a new India,” said Mr. Mukundan Menon, Managing Director, Voltas.

He added, “At Voltas, we believe that access to a bouquet of products will help in making this aspiration a success. By offering flexible payment solutions, we aim to remove the financial barriers that often come in the way of upgrading to energy-efficient and technologically advanced appliances. Convenience today is not only about superior products - but also about simplifying the journey of ownership. With greater affordability, smarter features, and easier access, we aspire to extend the promise of comfort and convenience to our consumers, in the spirit of an inclusive and self‑reliant India.”

As part of its Republic Day celebrations, Voltas is extending enhanced convenience to customers through attractive consumer finance card schemes. These financing options enable consumers to purchase appliances through easy monthly instalments instead of paying the full amount upfront. Offered in collaboration with leading banks, credit card issuers, and NBFC partners, the schemes provide added value through:

· Low or zero down payment options

· Reduced interest rates or subsidised EMI plans

· Instant or deferred cashback benefits

· Flexible repayment tenures tailored to customer needs

These consumer‑friendly finance solutions are designed to help households manage their budgets efficiently while upgrading to modern, energy‑efficient appliances. By making affordability a key focus during national occasions such as Republic Day, Voltas continues to make technology‑led comfort more accessible to homes across India.

These exclusive offers are available for a limited period across all authorized Voltas and Voltas Beko brand outlets, as well as select retail partners and digital platforms. As the nation celebrates its constitutional values, Voltas reiterates its dedication to supporting everyday India, empowering homes to be more comfortable, resilient, and prepared for the future.

About Voltas Limited:

Voltas Limited is a premier air conditioning and engineering solutions provider and a projects specialist. Founded in India in 1954, Voltas Limited is part of the Tata Group, and in addition to Room Air Conditioners, Voltas also produces and sells Air Coolers, Water Heaters, Fans, Water Dispensers and Water Coolers, Commercial Refrigeration, Commercial Air Conditioning products. Voltas is one of the leading companies in the consumer durables within the Tata group and is the undisputed market leader in room air conditioners in India, with a footprint of over 30,000 touch points. Voltas has also launched a wide range of Home Appliances under the Voltas Beko brand name, through its equal partnership Joint Venture with Beko, a leader in Home Appliances in Europe.

Milky Mist Signs MoU With Maharashtra Government At Davos For Large-Scale Milk Processing & Dairy Products

India’s leading value-added dairy firm Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to set up a large-scale milk processing and dairy products manufacturing facility in the state. The MoU was signed at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The agreement was executed by Dr. K. Rathnam, CEO of Milky Mist, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion plans beyond southern India.

Under the MoU, Milky Mist will establish a 10 LLPD milk processing plant, expandable up to 25 LLPD, with a diverse product portfolio including paneer, yogurts, curd, mozzarella cheese, ice cream, butter, ghee etc. The project will be developed on a land parcel measuring 1, 94,866 square metres (approximately 48.15 acres), with the land allotted by MIDC.

The total project investment is estimated at ₹1,130 crore and is expected to generate direct employment for about 800 people, providing a significant boost to local livelihoods and the regional dairy ecosystem. The project will be implemented in a phase manner. Milk procurement for the facility will be sourced within the state.

Founded in 1997 by entrepreneur T. Sathish Kumar, Milky Mist has grown into one of India’s leading value-added dairy companies, known for its strong farmer linkages, technology-driven operations and premium dairy offerings across domestic and international markets.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. K. Rathnam said, “This MoU reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India’s dairy value chain while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and communities. Maharashtra’s progressive policies, robust infrastructure and strong milk-producing regions make it an ideal partner for our next phase of growth.” The plant in Maharashtra will help the company at to expand its strong market presence in western India.

About Milky Mist

Led by Sathishkumar T, Milky Mist is, exclusively focused on value-added dairy products and caters to evolving consumer preferences from breakfast to dinner. The company has expanded its portfolio beyond traditional dairy offerings to include cheese, butter, ghee, yogurt, ice cream, ultrahigh temperature (UHT) products, frozen foods, ready-to-eat (RTE), and ready-to-cook (RTC) items, as well as chocolates. The company operates a fully automated processing facility in Perundurai, Erode, Tamil Nadu, focussing on higher throughput, quality products and improved production timelines and its own integrated logistics model. They offer their products under the umbrella brand ‘Milky Mist’, and sub-brands such as ‘SmartChef’, ‘Capella’, and ‘Misty Lite’—along with recently acquired brands ‘Briyas’ and ‘Asal’. Milky Mist continues to focus on continuous innovation and maintain a commitment to quality, helping us stay competitive in the dairy industry.

London To Nagpur Shopfloor: Why Globally Educated Youth Are Choosing Retail Training

In an age where young Indians chase global corporate jobs and polished office titles, a surprising career pivot is quietly playing out on India’s retail shopfloors — even foreign-qualified graduates are choosing frontline retail training to get job-ready.

It’s not because they ran out of options. It’s because many are figuring out something early: degrees open doors, but don’t always prepare you for the moment when a customer is standing in front of you — impatient, uncertain, comparing brands, and expecting answers in seconds.

This shift is becoming visible in Samsung’s DOST Sales Programme, which has steadily grown into a structured route for young professionals to learn the business from the ground up. The 2026 cohort reflects that change clearly — with participants coming from diverse academic backgrounds, including graduates with international education, choosing hands-on retail experience as a foundation for long-term careers.

So, what exactly is DOST? Put simply, it is a structured retail skilling programme that trains youth for organised sales roles through a mix of classroom learning and on-ground store exposure. Participants learn customer handling, product understanding, communication, and the basics of retail operations — skills that often decide whether a fresher stays stuck at entry-level or grows.

India’s retail market today is no longer about simply “selling”. It’s about solving. Customers arrive with online reviews, price comparisons, and strong opinions. And the shopfloor executive isn’t just a salesperson anymore — they are a guide, problem-solver, and trust-builder in a fast-moving consumer environment.

For Quazi Faizan Afroz Akhlaque Uz Zama (27), an MBA graduate from Amravati University currently training in Amravati, the programme has been less about theory and more about learning real-time decision-making.

“Through training and hands-on exposure, I learned how to communicate with customers, manage situations, and make informed decisions in real time,” he said. “Understanding customer behaviour and product differentiation has helped me approach conversations with clarity and confidence.”

But the headline moments in this year’s cohort come from those with global exposure. Take Rashneet Kaur Chhabra (26) — a graduate of University College London (UCL) with a Master’s degree in Architecture focused on Bio-Integrated Design — now training in Pune.

It’s not a conventional move. But she says it’s a necessary one.

“The diversity of the programme — across age, background, and experience — helped me understand business from a very human perspective,” she said. “In India, retail is deeply rooted in relationships and cultural understanding. Building trust and personal connection with customers is central, and that’s a lesson I will carry into global markets.”

Her experience captures what many young professionals are discovering: real confidence is built on the shopfloor — not in a classroom. It comes from conversations you can’t script, objections you can’t predict, and pressure situations you can’t pause.

The international footprint of the cohort also includes participants like Tushar, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Technology, Sydney, underlining a growing view among youth — that frontline experience can be a serious career accelerator, not a temporary stop.

Beyond individual journeys, programmes like DOST Sales reflect a broader shift in what employability now means in India. While companies across sectors often speak about “future-ready talent”, the challenge is real: many graduates are qualified but not fully prepared for high-pressure customer environments, performance-driven roles, and rapid on-the-spot problem-solving.

That’s where structured retail skilling programmes can have a larger social impact — turning education into experience, and experience into opportunity. For many young Indians, especially first-generation professionals, the shopfloor is not just a workplace — it is where confidence is built, careers take shape, and ambition becomes practical.

“With its industry-first, five-month training framework, Samsung DOST is addressing a critical need for job-ready talent in the retail ecosystem. The sharp rise in enrolments this year, including candidates with global education exposure, reflects the growing relevance of the programme. At a time when digital transformation is reshaping retail, DOST is helping build a skilled workforce equipped for the future,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, CSR & Corporate Communications, Samsung Southwest Asia.

As India’s organised retail economy expands, the demand for professionals who can combine product knowledge with customer trust-building is only rising. And for an increasing number of globally-educated young Indians, starting at the ground level is no longer seen as “small”.

It’s seen as smart. Because in today’s economy, the fastest way to learn isn’t always through a job title.

Sometimes, it begins by proving yourself — one customer at a time.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/london-to-nagpur-shopfloor-why-globally-educated-youth-are-choosing-retail-training

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/